BLUES have secured the future of Damien Johnson on a new three-and-a-half year contract.

BLUES have secured the future of Damien Johnson on a new three-and-a-half year contract.

The captain, currently on the mend from a triple fracture of the jaw, was due to become a free agent in the summer.

But manager Steve Bruce has a high regard for the Northern Ireland international, who was voted player and players' player-of-the-year last season.

And the board thought likewise, rubber-stamping a new deal for the recently-turned 28-year-old.

Johnson, who was given the armband in the summer after Blues' relegation from the Premiership, has been described by Bruce as the best pound-for-pound signing he has ever made.

At only #50,000, Johnson was rescued from Blackburn Rovers reserves in March 2002 and has gone on to become a valuable member of his team.

A real team player, Johnson has filled a variety of roles for Blues and his dynamism as they headed towards the trap door - it was as if he was on a one-man crusade to stave off the drop - was well received by supporters.

Johnson is the longest-serving player on Blues books and has made 167 appearances.